Protesters Disrupt Montana House Over Trans Lawmaker Standoff

The Montana House of Representatives was thrown into chaos on Monday as protesters demanded that transgender lawmaker Rep. Zooey Zephyr be allowed to speak. The GOP-led chamber had voted to uphold a gag order on Zephyr, who had lashed out at colleagues over legislation that would ban transgender surgeries for minors. The protesters filled the gallery and chanted “Let her speak!” in scenes reminiscent of what happened at the Tennessee state capitol building last month. Police in riot gear forcibly removed the protesters, leading to several arrests. Zephyr is refusing to back down, and her constituents and community members have rallied around her. Montana House Minority Leader Kim Abbott has voiced support for Zephyr, calling the protest an incredible statement in support of the trans, nonbinary, and Two Spirit community.